Postcards from the Field: Rob Aitken

Shell Conservation Intern Rob Aitken

Hi Everybody,

I hope life is treating you all well and that your summer is off to as great a start as mine is.  I am working for the NCC in Central Ontario through the Shell Conservation Internship program and the experience has been amazing so far.  I have been preparing Property Management Plans, conducting plant, animal, and bird inventories, meeting with landowners, and attending rare and invasive species workshops. The thing I love most about this job is I learn and see new things on a daily basis.

My favourite area to work in so far is the Rice Lake Plains, which is home to some very rare and beautiful Oak Savannah and Tall Grass Prairie species and habitat. Some of the NCC properties on the Plains have absolutely breathtaking views that make trekking through the Poison Ivy well worth it.

Elliot Property, Arnprior, ON

I really enjoy working as a Shell Conservation Intern because it challenges me to use the skills I have learned while in school. I graduated from the Environmental Technology program from Fleming College and only have one year left in the Environmental and Resources Sciences program at Trent University. Although I am not entirely sure what I will be doing when I venture out into the working world, I do know that I want to continue to do work that benefits the environment. I know that the skills and experiences from this job are going to help me along the way.

Well, I should get back to work - - these rare plants aren’t going to ID themselves!

Take Care,
Rob Aitken